OUR GUEST
Host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS;
Author of “Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present”
MODERATOR
Host and Moderator-in-Chief
This week:
- New episode: Fareed Zakaria on what led to today’s polarization and a changing America
- A closer look at partisan identification among different groups
- Your Sunday reading list
What can history teach us about solving today’s polarized climate? In a time when the country feels more divided across identity, cultural, and political lines than ever before, Americans are searching for solutions for coming together and recognizing each other’s differences.
In this week’s episode, “History Lessons For Combatting Polarization in 2024,” CNN host, Washington Post columnist, and bestselling author Fareed Zakaria returns to Open to Debate for a fascinating conversation with our host and moderator-in-chief John Donvan. In Zakaria’s new book, “Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present,” he offers a close look at past revolutions that laid the path for the modern revolutions we see today, such as in technology and AI, and the evolution of politics’ left-right divide to today’s open-closed spectrum.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Zakaria emphasizes that for today’s issues, our society should grapple with problems by airing them out, not shutting them down, and that by maintaining an open, fair system, we can get to a better place and resolve our differences.
If you want to learn more about Zakaria’s thoughts on the cultural backlashes happening today, the rise of Russia and China on the global stage, and how the American Revolution was not as major as many think it is, listen to the debate now on your favorite podcast platform, WNYC, and our website. As always, let us know what you think.
DEBATING THE DATA
How can we close the partisan gap?
Fareed Zakaria on America’s Inner Struggle
Fareed Zakaria
“What’s very sad about [polarization] is that it’s happening at a time when the United States is doing extraordinarily well in the world… yet we’ve lost faith in ourselves. We’ve lost faith in that liberal enlightenment project. We are deeply divided. Through these periods of turmoil, you go through the change, you go through the backlash, and how you navigate through that really determines who you are and where you come out at the end.”
WEEKLY POINTS OF VIEW
How To Prevent America And The World From Falling Into Fascism
Robert Reich | July 10, 2024
Eurasia Review
Watch Robert’s debate on whether it’s time to redistribute the wealth
The Systematic Disadvantaging Of Single People And How It’s Denied
Bella DePaulo | July 9, 2024
YourTango
Watch Bella’s debate on whether it’s better to married or single
A clear message needs to be sent: You can’t hold US citizens hostage no matter what
Douglas Murray | July 4, 2024
The New York Post
Watch Douglas’s debate on whether Islam is a religion of peace
Miracle Whip, Onboarding and the Wonders of the English Language
John McWhorter | July 4, 2024
The New York Times
Watch John’s debate on identity politics
Combat Polarization in the Public Square
In today’s divided world, Open to Debate stands as a crucial platform for breaking down barriers and combating polarization in the public square. By fostering open and balanced discussions, we help bridge divides and encourage understanding among differing viewpoints. Your support of these efforts is more necessary than ever — donate today.
